Benedict's resignation surprises San Antonio

Pope's influence here: conservative theology, Hispanic bishops.

Updated 1:36 am, Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Dora Ramos, manager of the gift shop at San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio, shares her reaction to Pope Benedict's announcement that he will resign from the papacy at the end of the month.

Media: San Antonio Express-News

Pope Benedict XVI appeared alert and engaged last fall to San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller — who was surprised to awaken Monday morning to learn that the pontiff had decided to resign Feb. 28.

Three weeks of daily interaction with Benedict at the Vatican offered few clues of Monday's historic announcement, García-Siller said. The pope walked with a cane but otherwise participated fully at the summit, reviewing ideas with invited bishops for spreading the Catholic faith, the archbishop said.

Now 85, Benedict cited his age and declining health for ending his eight-year tenure. The last pope to resign did so six centuries ago. García-Siller said he was sad but mindful that Benedict came to the decision after much prayer and reflection.

While Benedict is a “highly regarded theologian,” he might be stepping down to send a message to future popes and bishops, said William Buhrman, professor of theology and the chairman of that department at St. Mary's University.

“I think he is trying to set a precedent that he recognizes the demands are so great and after 85 years of age or less, when you feel you're not capable, you should consider stepping down,” Burhman said. “He's saying it's OK to consider stepping down and not let things fall apart.”

Photo: AFP / Getty Images File Photo

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Pope Benedict XVI is leaving the papacy Feb. 28, citing his age and declining health. He has been the pontiff for eight years.

Pope Benedict XVI is leaving the papacy Feb. 28, citing his age and declining health. He has been the pontiff for eight years.

Photo: AFP / Getty Images File Photo

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San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller called Benedict “an important force for the people of faith.”

San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller called Benedict “an important force for the people of faith.”

Photo: Helen L. Montoya, San Antonio Express-News

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People gather at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center to listen as Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller responds to questions concerning the announced retirement of Pope Benedict XVI on Monday Feb. 11, 2013.

People gather at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center to listen as Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller responds to questions concerning the announced retirement of Pope Benedict XVI on Monday Feb. 11, 2013.

Pilgrims wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Pilgrims wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, Associated Press

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Pilgrims cheer and sing as they wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Pilgrims cheer and sing as they wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves from the popemobile wearing a Mexican sombrero as he arrives to give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Pope Benedict XVI waves from the popemobile wearing a Mexican sombrero as he arrives to give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI, second from left, gives a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Pope Benedict XVI, second from left, gives a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves to people from the popemobile, top, as he arrives to give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Pope Benedict XVI waves to people from the popemobile, top, as he arrives to give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves from the popemobile, right, as he arrives to give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Pope Benedict XVI waves from the popemobile, right, as he arrives to give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, Associated Press

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A pilgrim cheers at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

A pilgrim cheers at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Photo: Dario Lopez-Mills, Associated Press

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Pilgrims cheer and sing as they wait at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Pilgrims cheer and sing as they wait at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give a Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Photo: Dario Lopez-Mills, Associated Press

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Pilgrims wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Pilgrims wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for Mass in Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Sunday March 25, 2012.

Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves from the popemobile after a symbolic key ceremony in Leon, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. The pontiff's weeklong trip to Mexico and then to Cuba on Monday is his first to both countries. less

Pope Benedict XVI waves from the popemobile after a symbolic key ceremony in Leon, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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A vendor sells flags with the image of Pope Benedict XVI on a road near the site where the pontiff will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

A vendor sells flags with the image of Pope Benedict XVI on a road near the site where the pontiff will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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A pilgrim arrives to the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

A pilgrim arrives to the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims arrive the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Pilgrims arrive the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims walk up a road towards the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Pilgrims walk up a road towards the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Faithful listen to Pope Benedict XVI's message in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza. less

Faithful listen to Pope Benedict XVI's message in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI is cheered by faithful as he arrives in his popemobile in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI is cheered by faithful as he arrives in his popemobile in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims watch live coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Mexico on a giant TV screen at the site where the pontiff will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Pilgrims watch live coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Mexico on a giant TV screen at the site where the pontiff will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI is cheered by faithful as he arrives aboard the popemobile in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. Benedict's weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is his first to both countries. less

Pope Benedict XVI is cheered by faithful as he arrives aboard the popemobile in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims talk after setting up camp at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Pilgrims talk after setting up camp at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI looks at white doves freed by children on the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. Benedict's weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is his first to both countries. less

Pope Benedict XVI looks at white doves freed by children on the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims holding a Mexican flag at the site where Pope Benedict will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Pilgrims holding a Mexican flag at the site where Pope Benedict will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Barefoot marathon runner Juan Antonio Montiel Flores also known as Juan Diego Maratonista poses for a photo as he arrives at the site where Pope Benedict will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. less

Barefoot marathon runner Juan Antonio Montiel Flores also known as Juan Diego Maratonista poses for a photo as he arrives at the site where Pope Benedict will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Faithful wait under the bells of the church for Pope Benedict XVI's speech in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. Benedict's weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is his first to both countries. less

Faithful wait under the bells of the church for Pope Benedict XVI's speech in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. Benedict's weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is his first to both countries. less

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. Benedict's ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Nuns walk alongside pilgrims as they travel up a road to the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Nuns walk alongside pilgrims as they travel up a road to the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims carry a Mexican flag as they arrive to the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Pilgrims carry a Mexican flag as they arrive to the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims race to get a glimpse Pope Benedict XVI as he passes near the site where the pontiff will give Sunday Mass, on his way to Guanajauto's Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza, near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pilgrims race to get a glimpse Pope Benedict XVI as he passes near the site where the pontiff will give Sunday Mass, on his way to Guanajauto's Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza, near Silao, Mexico, Saturday ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI receives the symbolic key of the city from Leon Mayor Ricardo Sheffield, center, and Guanajuato Gov. Juan Manuel Oliva, left, in Leon, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. The pontiff's weeklong trip to Mexico and then to Cuba on Monday is his first to both countries. less

Pope Benedict XVI smiles after receiving the symbolic key to the city, in Leon, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. The pontiff's weeklong trip to Mexico and then to Cuba on Monday is his first to both countries. less

Pope Benedict XVI smiles after receiving the symbolic key to the city, in Leon, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI arrives at the symbolic key ceremony in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the Plaza de Paz or Peace Plaza, where he arrived via his popemobile after the key ceremony. less

Pope Benedict XVI arrives at the symbolic key ceremony in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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A man hold an images of the Virgin of Guadalupe as he waits for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI to the symbolic key ceremony in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to the historic city, Benedict received the keys. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in Guanajuato's Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza. less

A man hold an images of the Virgin of Guadalupe as he waits for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI to the symbolic key ceremony in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to the historic ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI arrives in the popemobil to Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI arrives in the popemobil to Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI to the symbolic key ceremony in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to the historic city, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in Guanajuato's Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza. less

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI to the symbolic key ceremony in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to the historic city, Benedict received the keys to the city. The ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI arrives at the symbolic key ceremony in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the Plaza de Paz or Peace Plaza, where he arrived via his popemobile after the key ceremony. less

Pope Benedict XVI arrives at the symbolic key ceremony in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful from his popemobile as he makes his way to Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful from his popemobile as he makes his way to Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Faithful wave to Pope Benedict XVI as he passes by in his popemobile on his way to the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza, in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. The pontiff's weeklong trip to Mexico and then to Cuba on Monday is his first to both countries. less

Faithful wave to Pope Benedict XVI as he passes by in his popemobile on his way to the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza, in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful from his popemobile as he makes his way to Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful from his popemobile as he makes his way to Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI speaks from the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul palace in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. Benedict's weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is his first to both countries. less

Pope Benedict XVI speaks from the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul palace in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI watches as white doves are released by children after after his speech in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI watches as white doves are released by children after after his speech in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful from his popemobile as he arrives in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the Plaza de Paz or Peace Plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful from his popemobile as he arrives in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI watches as white doves are released by children after after his speech on the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul palace in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI watches as white doves are released by children after after his speech on the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul palace in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims pause as they walk up a road towards the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park, near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Pilgrims pause as they walk up a road towards the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park, near Silao, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012.

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful as confetti rains after his speech on the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful as confetti rains after his speech on the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful as confetti rains after his speech on the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful as confetti rains after his speech on the balcony of the Casa del Conde Rul in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims sing after they arrive at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict XVI arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. The pontiff's weeklong trip to Mexico and then to Cuba on Monday is his first to both countries. less

Pilgrims sing after they arrive at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict XVI arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Confetti rains on the crowd gathered in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza, at the end of Pope Benedict XVI's speech in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Confetti rains on the crowd gathered in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza, at the end of Pope Benedict XVI's speech in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. Benedict's weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is his first to both countries. less

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI is cheered by faithful as he arrives aboard the popemobile in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Pope Benedict XVI is cheered by faithful as he arrives aboard the popemobile in the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pilgrims arrive at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict XVI arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. The pontiff's weeklong trip to Mexico and then to Cuba on Monday is his first to both countries. less

Pilgrims arrive at the site where Pope Benedict XVI will give Sunday Mass at the Bicentennial Park near Silao, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict XVI arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI is cheered by faithful as he arrives aboard the popemobile in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. Benedict's weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is his first to both countries. less

Pope Benedict XVI is cheered by faithful as he arrives aboard the popemobile in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday, March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI gets into his popemobile after he was given the keys to the city in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. The weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is Benedict's first to both countries, and only his second to Latin America. He visited Brazil in 2007. less

Pope Benedict XVI gets into his popemobile after he was given the keys to the city in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. The weeklong trip to Mexico and Cuba is Benedict's first to both countries, and ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Pope Benedict XVI, center, is greeted before getting on the popemobil during the symbolic key ceremony of the city of Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a decade after the late Pope John Paul II's last visit. The pontiff's weeklong trip to Mexico and then to Cuba on Monday is his first to both countries. less

Pope Benedict XVI, center, is greeted before getting on the popemobil during the symbolic key ceremony of the city of Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. Benedict arrived in Mexico Friday afternoon, a ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Faithful wave to Pope Benedict XVI as he passes by in his popemobile on his way to the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza, in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict received the keys to the city. The pope reserved his only public remarks Saturday for a gathering of about 4,000 children and their parents massed in the plaza. less

Faithful wave to Pope Benedict XVI as he passes by in his popemobile on his way to the Plaza de la Paz or Peace Plaza, in Guanajuato, Mexico, Saturday March 24, 2012. At the entrance to Guanajuato, Benedict ... more

“I think it's a modeling for all of us to be able to recognize when we have done the best we can with everything we can and then to allow others to step up and maybe take the church in a little different direction,” she said.

As news spread across South Texas, so did thoughts about Benedict's legacy and successor, with his exit renewing talk of whether the cardinals would elevate a Latino to the papacy.

Vatican officials say the group of voting cardinals charged with selecting a new pope will likely make a decision before Easter.

Scott Chadsey, a Catholic from Canada visiting the San Fernando Cathedral downtown, responds to Pope Benedict's resignation announcement this morning.

Media: San Antonio Express-News

Cardinals can vote until they turn 80. There's no retirement age for popes, and although bishops are expected to submit their resignations at 75, the pope customarily doesn't accept them until he names a replacement.

Archdiocese officials lauded Benedict at a hastily assembled news conference, lamenting his departure as their highest-ranking pastor but crediting him for his theological and pastoral contributions.

“Pope Benedict has been an important force for the people of faith and good will around the world,” García-Siller told a television audience Monday morning at archdiocesan headquarters. “His contributions to the life of the church will be felt for generations to come.”

For the doctrinally conservative, Benedict has protected the faith's unchanging nature and opposed secular advances.

“Everything has been divided, and I felt like he was trying to bring us back together as one large community,” said Dora Ramos, manager of San Fernando Cathedral's gift shop.

To reform-minded Catholics, Benedict missed a chance to ease the Church's rejection of contraception, homosexuality and talk of ordaining women as priests.

“Part of me thinks some of the things need to change in the church,” said Dolores Kane, a visitor to the cathedral Monday, adding, “I don't think they'll ever change the main points.”

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Instead of a promulgator of liberal or conservative theology, Ed Jackson said he hopes for a moderate who can unite Catholics.

“I want someone in the middle,” said Jackson, owner of Cathedral Church Supplies in San Antonio. “People in the pews are all different. I think Christ was more in the middle. He was for the poor and the rich, and didn't turn anyone away.”

Benedict's influence in South Texas came through his appointments in the San Antonio archdiocese. He tapped García-Siller more than two years ago and recently named Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu the next head of the Diocese of Las Cruces, N.M. Both men at one point were the youngest leadership duo in the U.S. Catholic Church and underscored a wave of Hispanic appointments to the rank of bishop.

García-Siller's predecessor, Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez — also appointed by Benedict — drew comparisons to the pope by promoting an orthodox understanding of Catholic identity during his five years in San Antonio. Gomez is expected to be named a cardinal, but that won't come in time for him to vote for Benedict's successor.

The Catholic faith has flourished in developing countries, particularly Africa and Latin America, outpacing Europe and North America in growth. García-Siller said it was possible a new pope could be Latin American but that, regardless, he would be a “man of God” and hopefully someone disposed to lead through collaboration.

“It's important to have a sense of working as a team in the Vatican,” García-Siller said. “The pope has the last word, but the Vatican for the sake of the world is run by the presence and interaction of many people. It's the only organization in the world of that nature. There is no corporation that is run with that sense of unity.”